People
Haley Paul, Arizona Policy Director

Haley Paul

Arizona Policy Director, Audubon Southwest

Haley Paul is the Arizona Policy Director for Audubon Southwest. In this role, she distills complex natural resource policy and water management issues—via blogs, webinars, infographics, and more—to demonstrate why policy is important and how it impacts rivers, lakes, groundwater supplies, and wildlife habitat. Alongside a powerful network of Audubon advocates, Haley seeks to improve the water outlook in Arizona and in the Colorado River Basin—for people and birds. 

As an Anthropology major in her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, Haley took a keen interest in better understanding how humans around the world and through time have organized themselves to sustain (or not) the natural resources on which they rely. While working on the student-run farm in Pullman, Washington, Haley gained a greater appreciation for agriculture and all that it takes to grow plentiful food and fiber. This led her to a graduate degree in Sustainability from Arizona State University where she examined the 1980 Groundwater Management Act and its impact on farmers and water use in central Arizona. 

With career stops along the way at the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension and the Town of Gilbert’s water department, Haley is passionate about working with people to protect our lands and waters in the southwest. Haley believes we must work together—across the political aisle as well as across interest groups—to sustainably manage our natural resources for future generations of people and wildlife.  

Haley’s passion for birds is evidenced by her (now up to four) bird feeders and quizzing her children on the bird species hanging out in the yard.

Articles by Haley Paul

New Dire Colorado River Warnings from the Federal Government
June 15, 2022 — Arizona’s leaders must take action to conserve water supplies.
Building a Resilient Arizona by Investing in the State’s Natural Resources
April 20, 2022 — Audubon’s state budget priorities for the 2022 legislative session
Why We Need an Arizona Water Security Plan, Now
February 28, 2022 — Audubon urges state to implement policies that maximize investments on water projects.
Audubon Discusses Western Water and More With Secretary of the Interior
February 23, 2022 — Secretary Haaland was joined by congressional delegation, tribal and city leaders.
Investing in Arizona’s Water will Improve Outlook for People and Birds
January 07, 2022 — Audubon’s priorities for the 2022 Arizona Legislative Session.
We Need More Voices Calling for Change in Arizona
October 08, 2021 — Status quo is not an option if we are to achieve a sustainable water future for birds and people.
Audubon: Arizona Communities Should be Able to Protect their Groundwater Resources
September 23, 2021 — Policy Director Haley Paul testifies before Arizona House Study Committee examining groundwater issues.
Arizona Legislative Session Results in Funding for Audubon Priorities
July 01, 2021 — But we have a long way to go in addressing the state’s increasing water crisis, temperatures, and wildfires.
Black Phoebe. Marie Jorgensen/Great Backyard Bird Count
Arizona Passes Law that Partially Protects Some Rivers Left Behind from Federal Clean Water Act Rollbacks
May 10, 2021 — While better than no protection, state program lacks essential provisions to best protect Arizona’s waterways
Black Phoebe. Marie Jorgensen/Great Backyard Bird Count
Arizona aprueba una ley que protege parcialmente algunos ríos dejados atrás de los retrocesos de la Ley Federal de Agua Limpia
May 10, 2021 — Si bien es mejor que ninguna protección, el programa estatal carece de disposiciones esenciales para proteger mejor las vías fluviales de Arizona.